FOR such a fascinating breed the origins of the Frizzle are surprisingly obscure, mysteriously lost in the mists of time.

Research suggests that they’re an Asiatic breed. Exactly what part of Asia they came from has created much discussion but the Philippines and Java are often cited as their probable ancestral home.

However there’s also important documentary evidence that these flamboyant fowl graced the European countryside as early as the 1600s.

The exhibition pen seems a natural home for this splendidly feathered breed where its fortunes seem to have waxed and waned over the years.

However recently it has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity and a white Frizzle won the National Championship last year. This is of course the ultimate accolade in the world of exhibition poultry.

One young, passionate aficionado of the breed said that, ‘Frizzles are like Marmite; you either love them or hate them’.

Whatever side of the fence you’re on you certainly can’t ignore them as their plumage is undoubtedly the most curious of any fowl.

Their plumage can create some confusion. It’s crucially important to understand that a bird with frizzled feathers doesn’t constitute a Frizzle.

Frizzled feathers on a fowl’s plumage are not unusual and in some breeds, particularly Polands and Japanese, this plumage is quite common.

Therefore it’s equally important to understand that this fascinating mutant form of plumage is caused simply by a gene.

To constitute a Frizzle the bird must exhibit all the unique characteristics of the breed as standardized by The poultry Club.

A breeder should strive to produce birds whose feathers all curl towards the head bird but always be mindful to keep a good quality of feather.

Good examples of the breed should never look like untidy feather dusters or worse still have a ragged appearance.

They should look remarkably neat, well proportioned and most importantly be structured in form.

To achieve this remarkably tall order the broad plumage should be medium and ‘crisp’. The frizzling itself ought to be neat, compact and the more of it the better.

However the frizzling on the female’s neck is only a shadow of the males.

The male’s tail is often described as ‘lyre’ shaped which is the ultimate type to be strived for.

Even if the tail isn’t lyre shaped it ought to be largish and full with abundant side hangers and lavish sickles to compliment it.

The faces of both the males and females are, in complete contrast to their flamboyant plumage, sedately refined.

Moderation is also the key word when describing their combs, ear-lobes, wattles and legs. As if to emphasise their flamboyant reputation they are to be found in a myriad of different colours. They appear to be most popular in black, blue, buff and white (it was a white which won the Supreme National Championship last year).

Historically and occasionally nowadays they occur in red, pyle, spangle, cuckoo, Columbian, duckwing, brown-red and black-red too!

Frizzles should look alert and erect even though their bodies are relatively broad and short with a full rounded breast to match.

Too often their great attributes are overlooked because of their frivolous appearance. They are a really self sufficient breed being remarkably hardy capable of thriving in sparse free range conditions where they forage contentedly.

Real enthusiasts eagerly point out that they lay very respectable egg numbers for a pure breed.

They’re also eager to point out that they’re often overlooked as an excellent table breed.

The Frizzle appears to have schizophrenic maternal instincts. Many aficionados point out their excellent qualities as broodies whereas some believe them to be poor sitters.

They certainly have the look to be wonderful broodies.

Another plus for this pretty breed is that they mature remarkably quickly, incidentally newly hatched Frizzles appear to have normal feathering but within a short period of time they can be distinguished from their cousins.

Bantam Frizzles are more popular than the large fowl in fact the large fowl at one stage became virtually extinct.

There has been a recent renaissance in the large fowls fortunes with a small group of dedicated, skilled enthusiasts starting a breeding program to revive it.

However it is still unfortunately a very rare breed and new keepers are always welcome.

A bantam cock should weigh less than 28 ounces with a female only being around four ounces lighter. In contrast a large male should be around eight lbs with a female less than six lbs.